Tag Archives: St Joseph's College

It’s not long since our wonderful Friday evening launch and celebration of the 21st edition of our annual Kids of Dreams publication which celebrates literary and artistic talent. Student’s prose, poetry and artwork from Years 7-12 are included in the publication.

It was an amazing night! Why? Well it was ‘special’ for a number of reasons. I was the main editor of the production this year, along with my wonderful Teacher Librarian colleague Kirsten Reim (who wrote a wonderful editorial for me), supported by my ever efficient library team. We came to the job a little late this year, so it was a complete scramble to the end, making sure that everything was as right as possible. So much writing, so much art, so many decisions about layout and presentation. It was an amazing and rewarding experience to be able to work on a publication that showcases the work of our students who have the courage to speak up in artistic forms.

Author Brian Caswell provided the judging of the student’s literary works. Brian was Writer in Residence at the College earlier in the year. Brian’s comments for each item he chose for an award are worth reading – so much so, that this year I included the judge’s comments within the publication itself as a record of achievement for the students.

Kids of Dreams was launched on Friday 19th November with the help of my talented Twitter friendMark Pesce (inventor, writer, theorist, panelist on #newinventors, obsessed with language, communication, social networks). I was able to tell the audience that Mark was the first VIP guest to come to the College as a result of an invitation arranged through Twitter!

Mark provided an inspirational keynote/official launch presentation – and focussed on the power of creativity to drive our learning and thinking. Creativity and inspiration is inside us all, and around us every day. How we harness these talents and opportunities is up to us, and how we share them with others is the key to change and development of value in all we do.

Hey! I never thought I would be MC at an event with Mark!! Thanks very much Mark for making out 21st celebration a stunning success.

A key feature of our library is its integration of 70s retro design – within a very modern 21st century look. I WILL post up a whole set of images and story of our renovation – when it’s done.

“What?”, you say. “It’s still not fininshed?”.

When you restrict work to holiday periods for a major overhaul – it’s gotta be a long-haul renovation. But we’re nearly there. Here’s what it looks like at the moment…creating a new office, and new AV department! Phew!

Meanwhile, I’m thinking about how to add an interesting graphic element to the space behind the front desk (currently hidden behind those boards/shovel)

It’s a large area – smooth lime green cupboards, that hide filing drawers, slide-out storage baskets, books storage etc, and two whole purpose-designed laptop storage cupboards for laptops for loan. (Designed these ourselves!!) Each drawer has a ventilated base, a swing arm that delivers power and data within the drawer to fixed points – easy to connect laptops quickly.

Pictures later!

What I want to do with the smooth green doors is have different vinyl lettering/images that can transform the interface.

So I was having fun looking at these 40+ Vintage Posters to inspire my developing design ideas.

Next – we need Dean Groom to come on over and get cracking with more ideas.

The Marathon des Sables run for charity (MDS) (Marathon of the Sands) is a six-day, 254 km (156 mile) ultramarathon, which is the equivalent to five and 1/2 regular marathons. The longest single stage (2009) is 91 km (55 miles) long. The event is held every year in the southern Moroccan desert. It is considered the toughest foot race on Earth.

Tom Armstrong, one of our energetic young teachers at St Joseph’s College, set out on this race, to raise funds for his chosen charity. He made it!! and raised nearly $10,000 in the process to help change lives for children in a village in Africa.